CHAPTER VIII.

_Conclusion--Modern Rosicrucianism._ In Notes and Queries for Nov. 15th, 1886, we find the following:--"In the Student's Encyclopaedia, published by Hodder and Stoughton in 1883, I find the following twofold statement: 'Even to-day a Rosicrucian lodge is said to exist in London, whose members claim by asceticism to live beyond the allotted age of man, and to which the late Lord Lytton vainly sought admission.' May I ask whether anything authentic can be learnt (1) as to the existence of these modern Rosicrucians, and (2) as to Lord Lytton's failure to gain admission among them?" In the number of Dec. 13 of the same year, the above query was thus answered: "The Soc. Rosic. in Anglia still holds several meetings a year in London. The Fratres investigate the occult sciences; but I am not aware that any of them now practice asceticism, or expect to prolong life on earth indefinitely. It is not customary to divulge the names of candidates who have been refused admission to the first grade, that of Zelator, so must ask to be excused from answering the question as to Lord Lytton. WYNN WESTCOTT, _M.B., Magister Templi_." In September of the previous year a correspondent asked if any one could inform him if there were still any members of the society of the Rosy Cross (or Rosicrucians); and if there were, how could one communicate with them? Also if there were still any alchemists searching for the philosopher's stone and the transmutation of metals? This evoked the following reply:-- "Some say the modern Rosicrucians are the same as the Freemasons; but as in the main they lived isolated, they could have been but slightly connected with the masons. The range of celebrated men included in the society is large:--Avicenna, Roger Bacon, Cardan, down to Mr. Peter Woulfe, F.R.S., who lived at No. 2, Barnard's Inn, and was, according to Mr. Brand, the last true believer in alchemy. But no doubt some few still dabble in these occult things." Notes and Queries, Series 6, vol 8, 317. On the same page of the same volume we have:--"The Rosicrucians are now (how I know not) incorporate with, and form one of the highest ranks, if not the highest rank, of English Freemasons." Also:--"In reply to Charles